THERE were shouts of “shame, shame, shame on you” from the public gallery in South Dublin County Council after councillors voted by 24 to 16 to approve a joint development for 975 homes at Kilcarbery in Clondalkin. There were two abstentions.

The Mayor of South Dublin, Councillor Mark Ward, called for order from the gallery but the shouting of “Shame, Shame, Shame on you” continued before the council rose for a short recess.

As the development stands, 30 per cent of the project is set aside for 294 social housing units, 70 per cent of the council-owned land will be sold for private development of 681 three and four-bed houses.

At the meeting Councillor Mick Murphy (Solidarity) described the development as “a mess”.

He said: “You cannot solve the housing problem with developments like this. The whole thing is a mess. The process needs to be stopped.”

Cllr Murphy said it should be replaced with an alternative development comprising 60 per cent social and 40 per cent affordable housing.

Councillor Emer Higgins who voted in favour criticised her political opponents and accused them of using the issue as “a political football”.

Also in favour was Councillor Francis Timmons. He said: “Every day I am inundated with people desperate for a place to call home, Kilcarbery covers 975 units – made up of 292 social plus 50 affordable plus 633 private.

"That’s 342 social plus 109 social on adjoining section that’s 451 Social and affordable houses out of 1084 houses. That’s 41 per cent social and affordable yield. This will also include a much needed school, Community centre and retail.”

Mayor Mark Ward of Sinn Féin said his party would also be opposing the development, as the plans had not incorporated a sufficient affordable element.

Under the proposal, the first phase of 168 homes would be built by 2020 and the entire project completed by 2023.

The developer selected for the project following a competitive tender process is Adwood. The development on the 72-acre site will include 621 houses and 354 apartment units.

The development will now go to An Bord Pleanála for planning approval.

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